Calderon speaks out on Ronaldo row

Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon insists Manchester United have "no evidence" that the Spanish giants have acted inappropriately in their pursuit of Cristiano Ronaldo.

PUBLISHED: PUBLISHED: 12:16, Tue, Jun 10, 2008

Cristiano Ronaldo

FIFA confirmed on Monday they had received an official request from United to investigate the matter, with the English club claiming Madrid have carried out a deliberate campaign to unsettle the 23-year-old Portugal winger, currently on duty at Euro 2008.

But Calderon is adamant his club have no case to answer. He said on Tuesday: "They don't have any evidence because nothing has happened."

He continued: "All there is is what the papers say and rumours that the player seems to want to leave. But at the moment a move is impossible because United don't want to sell him.

"It's United's right (to complain), but we haven't done anything and we are not going to do anything. It's a matter between the player and his club."

FIFA's regulations do not stipulate any possible sanction against Madrid but they do say one club has to inform another if they are to start negotiations with one of their players.

The rules do not specifically state, however, that the club that owns the player have to give consent.

Article 18 of FIFA's regulations for the status and transfer of players states: "A club intending to conclude a contract with a professional must inform the player's current club in writing before entering into negotiations with him.

"A professional shall only be free to conclude a contract with another club if his contract with his present club has expired or is due to expire within six months. Any breach of this provision shall be subject to appropriate sanctions."